

The 315-hp turbo-four provides exciting acceleration, and the car's involving nature is buoyed by the six-speed manual that rewards you with a positive shift action, even when used in anger. The steering is responsive at only 2.11 turns lock-to-lock, and the hatch expertly keeps understeer at bay. Despite directing all its power to the front wheels alone, the dual-axis strut front suspension does a fantastic job of reducing understeer, while stability is superb. A helical limited-slip differential works to lay down the power effectively, and the longer wheelbase smooths out the ride nicely. There's a reason it's been hailed as the class leader for so long, and the all-new version comes with greater body rigidity, enhanced suspension, and upgrades to the braking system to ensure it remains in the top spot.

#TYPE R CIVIC DRIVERS#
While other hot hatches claim sleeker looks or fancier interiors, the Type R aims for one thing: to be a car that drivers enjoy driving. The whole point of the Civic Type R is the drive, so we'll happily wax lyrical about its inherent brilliance in this department. Interior changes include a lower driver's position, new lightweight sport seats, a new digital instrument cluster, a larger-than-ever nine-inch color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an updated version of the Honda LogR Performance Datalogger with a built-in vehicle app. Retuned suspension and enhanced brake cooling hint at the intentions behind the Type R. The whole body structure is more rigid for improved dynamics and a more refined ride, aided by a longer wheelbase. Outputs are improved, there's a redesigned turbocharger, better airflow, a more efficient exhaust system, a larger radiator, and an enhanced six-speed manual transmission. Gearheads will be focused on the changes under the metal, though, where a more powerful version of the K20C1 engine lies waiting. It's also lower, longer, and wider than before. Touted as the most powerful Honda production vehicle to be sold here, the Type R gets updated looks which include a new vented aluminum hood, larger grille opening, new bumper designs, a revised rear spoiler with aluminum stanchions, and a fresh diffuser. The all-new Honda Civic Type R hatchback is entirely updated for 2023, with improvements made to power, performance, and aesthetics. But is the most powerful production Honda in the US still the one to get in the segment? Naturally, it has a six-speed manual - enthusiasts wouldn't have it any other way. The latest Type R brings a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC engine to the fray, making 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Toyota's GR Corolla is one of the main competitors to the Honda Civic Type R, and the two Japanese marques are likely to provide quite a showdown. Traditionally, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been one of a few rivals vying for that honor, but the playing field has recently gotten even hotter. Fortunately, the few hot hatches we do get stateside are particularly good, with the Honda Civic Type R having set the standard for what these cars are supposed to be.
#TYPE R CIVIC DRIVER#
Where slight-sized spicy hatchbacks are popular the world over for their agility, feel-good factor, and sheer driver engagement, Americans seem to prefer more traditional sports cars, along with SUVs and trucks. Hot hatches are, sadly, a scarcity in the USA.
